Maharashtra declares snakebite notifiable disease

On August 18, 2026, the India — Maharashtra government declared snakebite a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for all hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare professionals to report every suspected, probable, or confirmed snakebite case and death to health authorities. The decision follows the deaths of three tribal schoolgirls from a snakebite at a residential school in India — Gadchiroli district on August 9, which also led to the cancellation of the school's license. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced the move, stating it would strengthen monitoring, ensure timely treatment, and improve planning for anti-snake venom (ASV) availability. The notification establishes a nodal mechanism from state to district level, with the Director (Hospitals) as state nodal officer and district surgeons and health officers as district nodal officers. Healthcare facilities must maintain detailed records of ASV stock and patient data, including bite location, treatment, and outcomes. The state recorded 1.29 lakh snakebite cases and 656 deaths between April 2023 and March 2026. The government will study incident patterns to formulate local preventive measures and conduct awareness campaigns. India — Maharashtra becomes one of nine Indian states to declare snakebite notifiable.